Page 51 - SAMENA Trends - May 2025

SATELLITE UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

One NZ Makes Satellite TXT Free for Kiwi

One New Zealand has announced that first telco globally to launch a commercial, messages every day through space. We’re
Prepay customers with an eligible phone nationwide satellite text network in excited to take the next step and offer
can now enjoy nationwide satellite texting partnership with SpaceX in late 2024. satellite texting to Prepay customers. One
at no extra cost as part of a free trial for The service brings additional resilience NZ Satellite TXT is like packing a coat in
a limited time, with an RRP of $5 per benefits, should there be a natural disaster case it rains, with the added benefit that it
month after the trial period. This allows or loss of power to the traditional network also keeps you warm. It’s an extra layer of
eligible Prepay customers to send and on the ground. Prepay customers with an protection when you need it, and essential
receive texts in the 40% of New Zealand’s eligible device on MyFlex, Pay & Go, and in a storm. Having access to the One NZ
landmass that is not covered by traditional Travel Prepay Plans can now access the satellite service will mean our eligible
mobile networks – plus approximately 20 service where they have a clear line of sight Prepay customers can explore the great
kilometres out to sea. The One NZ Satellite to the sky, and which is available at no extra outdoors and stay in touch with loved ones
TXT service continues to improve - now with charge for a limited time. Joe Goddard, and enjoy the peace of mind that they are
over 500 Starlink Direct to Cell satellites Experience and Commercial Director, One with a network with coverage like never
in orbit, text messages being sent and NZ: We’ve seen incredible uptake of our One before, currently at no extra cost. This is an
received within minutes, and more than 23 NZ Satellite service so far, with customers awesome value-add and offers incredible
eligible phones. One New Zealand was the sending an average of more than 10,000 value to Prepay customers.

Brazil Gives Green Light to Starlink Satellite Expansion

Brazil’s telecoms regulator, Anatel, has market regulation, space sustainability, which reportedly also secured regulatory
granted approval for SpaceX to operate an and digital sovereignty. The move marks clearance earlier this month to establish a
additional 7,500 Starlink satellites in the another milestone for Elon Musk’s Starlink, ground station in Vietnam.
country’s airspace. According to Reuters,
Starlink currently has 4,408 satellites
active in Brazil, based on a statement
issued by Anatel. The regulator also
confirmed that the approval includes the
expansion of frequency bands. However,
the expiration date for SpaceX’s existing
authorisations remains unchanged and is
set for 2027. While SpaceX received the go-
ahead, Anatel urged lawmakers to update
Brazil’s regulatory framework to better
accommodate emerging technologies
such as low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.
It highlighted gaps in legislation around

Starlink Wins Bangladesh License, Awaits Ministry Approval

SpaceX’s LEO satellite unit Starlink is one and Information Technology for final ap- meeting with SpaceX and Starlink CEO Elon
step closer to launching services in Bangla- proval. Once the ministry gives the BTRC Musk in February 2025 to discuss bringing
desh after the Bangladesh Telecommuni- permission to grant the license, Starlink will Starlink to Bangladesh by May 2025. Last
cation Regulatory Commission (BTRC) re- be able to start commercial services in month, Bangladesh Satellite Company Lim-
portedly approved its application for a Bangladesh as soon as it pays the license ited (BSCL), the country’s sole satellite
satellite internet license. According to the fee, the report said. Lauren Dreyer, VP for company, met with Starlink officials to dis-
Daily Star, Starlink Services Bangladesh Ltd Global Engagement at SpaceX, said she ex- cuss partnership options for fast-tracking
applied for the license on April 7. The BTRC pects to be ready to launch services some- Starlink’s entry into the market. Among oth-
said it has reviewed Starlink’s documenta- time next month, the report added. Starlink er things, BSCL proposed a reselling ar-
tion and recommended approval of the ap- has been trying to enter the Bangladesh rangement with Starlink, as well as hosting
plication. The BTRC said it sent a letter to market since 2021. Bangladesh’s Chief Ad- Starlink's gateway at BSCL's ground sta-
the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications viser Prof Muhammad Yunus held an online tions in Gazipur and Betbunia.

51 MAY 2025